When summer hits the North Shore of Oahu, it’s generally accepted that Pipeline is going to take a break. A rest from a winter of waves, if you will. A reset, a time to recuperate, both for the beach and for the people who surf Pipe. But this summer — the beginning, at least — was a little different. After a supremely good Mexico trip, Nathan Florence returned home to the Seven Mile Miracle with low expectations for great waves. But he was pleasantly surprised, as were others who didn’t expect much.
“Six guys out,” he said, the excitement apparent in his eyes.” Cruising on the sidelines. Picking up swell. I just saw an eight-foot set roll through. Backwash? Yeah. Always.”
